Category: SSIC 06000 Medicine & Dentistry Number: MCO 6100.10B W/CH 1 Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL AND MILITARY APPEARANCE
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
2 NAVY ANNEX
WASHINGTON, DC 20380-1775
MCO 6100.10B
C-462
26 Mar 93
MARINE CORPS ORDER 6100.10B W/CH 1
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: Distribution List
Encl: (1) Weight Standards for Marines
(2) Alternate Maximum Weight Limits for Male Marines
(3) Alternate Maximum Weight Limits for Female Marines
(4) Format for Requesting Preliminary Medical Evaluation
1. Purpose. To promulgate policy and implementing instructions
concerning weight control and military appearance in the Marine
Corps.
2. Cancellation. MCO 6100.10A.
3. General. The Marine Corps has traditionally been associated
with a military image that is neat and trim in appearance. It is
essential to the day-to-day effectiveness and combat readiness of
the Marine Corps that every Marine maintain the established
standards of health, fitness, and appearance. The habits of
self-discipline required to gain and maintain a healthy body,
inherent in the Marine Corps' way of life, must be part of the
character of every Marine.
4. Responsibility. The evaluation of a Marine's military
appearance is the responsibility of the commanding officer.
Medical officers, nurse practitioners and physician assistants
are Appropriately Credentialed Health Care Providers (ACHCP).
Their responsibility is to certify a Marine's health and ability
to participate in physical training and/or recommend a diet, if
required, to return the Marine to acceptable military appearance.
5. Objectives. The objectives of the Marine Corps weight
control and military appearance programs are:
a. To contribute to the health and well-being of every
Marine by continuously monitoring weight and personal appearance.
b. To preserve high standards of professional military
appearance traditionally expected of all Marines.
c. To establish acceptable weight standards for all Marines
and to ensure those Marines who do not meet the standards are
counseled and given the opportunity to achieve the standards.
d. To encourage all Marines to set the example by
maintaining proper appearance and weight standards.
6. Policy
a. Commanders will continually monitor all members of their
commands, both officer and enlisted, to ensure they maintain the
proper weight distribution and personal appearance. Identifi-
cation of personnel who do not present a suitable military
appearance because of overweight or improper weight distribution
is required.
b. Commanders should consider educational programs and other
motivational means to encourage Marines to achieve and maintain
weight and personal appearance standards. Such programs could
include, but are not limited to, periodic mandatory weight
control seminars and individual consultations conducted by
qualified dieticians/medical personnel for all individuals
identified as requiring a weight reduction.
c. Marines are considered overweight when their weight
exceeds the maximum allowable weight standards as set forth in
enclosure (1). If a Marine exceeds the weight standards or
displays a poor military appearance due to improper weight
distribution, the Marine will be assigned to the weight control
or military appearance program. It is recognized that exceptions
to the standards in enclosure (1) may be justified for Marines
who, although lean and physically fit, exceed the prescribed
weight standards because of a high volume of lean muscle mass and
a low percent of body fat. Marines who are being screened for
possible assignment to the unit weight control or military ap-
pearance program will not be granted an alternate maximum weight
simply because they exceed the weight standard and present an
acceptable military appearance. Marines requesting an alternate
maximum weight should be in good physical condition and score at
least 2nd class on the PFT. Commanders may request approval in
writing of an alternate maximum weight limit from Marine officers
in the chain of command exercising special court-martial
convening authority. For Marines who do not have a Marine
officer in the chain of command exercising special court-martial
convening authority, an alternate maximum weight limit may be
requested from the Commanding General, MCCDC, (C462). The
request must be supported by the following enclosures:
(1) A body composition analysis indicating body fat
percent based on hydrostatic weighing or anthropometric
measurement. Enclosure (2) details the anthropometric
measurement process that will be used to estimate the percent of
body fat for male Marines and enclosure (3) will be used for
female Marines.
2
(2) Full length frontal and profile photographs of the
Marine, at the desired alternate weight limit in the service "C"
uniform.
(3) The Marine's most recent PFT score and date. All
enclosures must be certified by the commanding officer.
d. Commanders will inspect the Marine in the service "C"
uniform, prior to requesting an alternate maximum weight
standard, to ensure proper fit of the uniform. An alternate
maximum weight standard is not permanent. Commanders will
reevaluate Marines assigned an alternate maximum weight semi-
annually to ensure the assignment remains valid. As long as the
assignment remains valid, the written authorization for an
alternate maximum weight will be kept on the document side of the
Marine's OQR/SRB. Additionally, Commanders will reconfirm the
alternate weight standard for those Marines who are being
transferred from or joined to a unit within 30 days of transfer/
reporting.
e. Marines who are granted an alternate maximum weight but
fail to maintain the required standard will be assigned to the
weight-control program. This will count as their first
assignment to the program. A unit diary entry will be made per
paragraph 6k of this Order.
f. Women Marines returning from maternity leave have 6
months from the date of delivery to reestablish their weight and
military appearance standards as set forth in this Order. Women
Marines who become pregnant while on the weight control or
military appearance program will be removed from the program. A
unit diary entry will be made specifying pregnancy as justifi-
cation for removal. If after delivery and a period specified by
an ACHCP (not to exceed six months); a woman Marine still fails
to meet required standards, she will be placed on the program
again. This will count as the second assignment to the program.
g. The alternate maximum weight limit granted by the
concerning physical qualifications for duty involving actual
control of aircraft is not to be used as the standard for the
Marine Corps Weight Control and Military Appearance Programs as
set forth in this Order.
h. Those individuals who are identified as overweight will
be referred to an ACHCP for evaluation. Enclosure (4) will be
completed and retained by the commanding officer to properly
document the recommendation and action taken in such an
individual`s case.
i. If the ACHCP diagnoses the individual's condition to be a
result of an underlying or associated disease process, one of the
following actions will take place:
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(1) Treatment to alleviate the condition and return of
the Marine to the unit.
(2) Hospitalization for obesity treatment at an Alcohol
Rehabilitation Center (ARC). Criteria for ARC Residential
Obesity Program are as follows:
(a) No previous participation in a residential ARC
obesity rehabilitation program during Marine Corps career.
(b) Does not have an eating disorder (anorexia or
bulimia).
(c) Must have a strong potential for continued
service.
(d) The program is available to all Marines
regardless of pay grade with at least one year of active duty
remaining following completion of the residential obesity
program. Waivers to remaining time in service criteria may be
requested on a case-by-case basis from the CMC (MHH).
(e) Recommendation by the commanding officer.
(3) Aftercare. Upon completion of an obesity
rehabilitation program, the Marine will remain in a command
directed physical conditioning program for a maximum of 6 months
or until the Marine Corps weight standards are achieved, which
ever occurs first. Aftercare recommendations from the
rehabilitation facility will be sent to the member's command and
will be included in the fitness program.
(4) Rehabilitation Failure. Members who fail to show
consistent and significant progress towards meeting Marine Corps
weight goals during the 6 month aftercare period, or show a
weight gain upon completion of the rehabilitation program, will
be considered for administrative separation per the provisions of
paragraph 6206.1 of reference (a). Individuals should lose 1-2
pounds of weight per week or approximately 1 percent of body fat
every 2 weeks. All rehabilitation failures bust be reported to
the CMC (MHH) via message.
j. If the ACHCP discovers no underlying or associated
disease process as the cause of the individual's condition, this
fact will be certified and a reducing diet and/or exercise
program will be recommended. ACHCPs may recommend no
PFT/physical training for individuals with temporary medical
problems who are assigned to the weight control military
appearance program. This status may be held for not more than 60
days without requesting medical board action.
4
(1) In cases where the need for a weight or body fat
loss is indicated, realistic goals per enclosures (1) through (3)
of this Order will be established to include the number of pounds
or inches to be lost. Weigh-ins or measurements will be taken at
least every 2 weeks (monthly for SMCR) at the unit to determine
the individual's progress. Any individual who, after 2 weeks (1
month for SMCR), has had no loss will be counseled at the unit
level.
(2) In cases where a weight loss is not required, the
commander will initiate an exercise program per reference (b) to
correct the individual's military appearance. Although Marines
may not be discharged for failure to maintain appropriate
military appearance, this failure to make satisfactory progress
while on a military appearance program must be reflected in
section C of fitness reports per paragraph 4007.4b(5) of
reference (c) for sergeants and above or incorporated in the
conduct marks of corporals and below per paragraph 4007 of
reference (d).
k. Entries will be made in the JUMPS/MMS for Marines
assigned to, removed from, or extended on, the weight control or
military appearance program per paragraph 8125 of reference (e).
l. After a period of dieting and/or exercise, not to exceed
6 months, Marines who still do not present a suitable military
appearance because they are overweight will be referred to an
ACHCP for reevaluation.
* (1) If the ACHCP determines the individual's condition is
caused by an underlying or associated disease process, one of the
actions described in paragraph 6i will be taken.
(2) If the ACHCP finds there is no underlying or
associated disease process causing the individual's overweight
condition, two courses of action are open:
(a) If satisfactory progress has been made, even
though the weight goals have not been met, one extension of up to
6 months may be granted, at the end of which time the individual
will again be reevaluated. If weight goals are not met by the
end of the extension, the individual will be recommended for
discharge from the Marine Corps by reason of unsatisfactory
performance per the provisions of paragraph 6206.1 of reference
(a). No additional extensions will be granted.
(b) If satisfactory progress has not been made, it
can be concluded that the condition is because of apathy or a
lack of self-discipline. The individual, therefore, will be
recommended for discharge per the provisions of paragraph 6206.1
of reference (a).
5
m. The commander will administratively remove the individual
from the weight control or military appearance program once the
prescribed goals are met. Appropriate entries will be made in
the JUMPS/MMS per reference (e).
n. If after having been removed from the weight control
program, the Marine's adverse weight condition reappears, that
individual will be provided one 90-day period to conform to
Marine Corps weight standards. At the end of the 90-day period,
if goals are not met, discharge processing per paragraph 6206.1
of reference (a) is required.
o. If the Marine successfully meets prescribed goals within
the 90-day period yet later fails to meet weight standards,
administrative discharge processing will immediately be
initiated.
p. A copy of enclosure (4) will be placed on the document
side of the OQR/SRB for those Marines who are transferred while
assigned to the subject program.
q. It is imperative that all JUMPS/MMS entries concerning
weight control and military appearance be coordinated between the
unit diary clerk and the training NCO.
7. Action. Commanding officers will establish and maintain an
effective weight control and military appearance program per this
Order.
8. Reserve Applicability. This Order is applicable to the
Marine Corps Reserve.
C. C. KRULAK
By direction
DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10209350200
Copy to: 7000110 (55)
8145005 (2)
7000099, 144/8145001 (1)
6
MCO 6100.10B Ch 1
C 462
23 Jun 93
MARINE CORPS ORDER 6100.10B Ch 1
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: Distribution
Subj: Weight Control and Military Appearance
Encl: (1) New page inserts to MCO 6100.10B
1. Purpose. To transmit pen changes and new page inserts to the
basic order.
2. Action
a. On page 5 of the basic Order, paragraph 61(1), last line:
change " . . . paragraph 6h will be taken." to read " .
paragraph 6i will be taken."
b. ALMAR 57/93 supercedes portions of reference (a) with
respect to procedures for discharging Marines who fail to meet
height/weight standards. Throughout the basic Order, when
reference (a) is in conflict with ALMAR 57/93, ALMAR 57/93 will
be used until reference (a) is revised.
c. On page 1 of enclosure (2) of the basic Order, paragraph
2, last sentence: change 19 percent to 18 percent.
d. Remove page 3 to enclosure (2) and replace with pages 3
and 4 contained in the enclosure.
3. Filing Instructions. This Change transmittal will be filed
immediately following page 6 of the basic Order.
4. Certification. Reviewed and approved this date.
C. C. KRULAK
By direction
DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10209350201
Copy to: 7000110 (55)
8145005 (2)
7000099, 144/8145001 (1)
7
%G 610010B_.PCX; WEIGHT STANDARDS FOR MARINES
ENCLOSURE (1)
1
ALTERNATE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMITS FOR MALE MARINES
1. The body may be divided between two basic components, fat
tissue and lean weight (muscle and other parts of the body such
as bones). A Marine's fat content may be expressed as a percent
of the total individual's body weight. There are several methods
for assessment of total body fat which vary from the simple and
inexpensive (anthropometric measurement) to the very sophisti-
cated and extremely expensive (potassium-40 scintillation
counting). Hydrostatic weighing (weighing a person underwater to
determine specific gravity which is convertible to a relative
percentage of fat) is generally accepted as the most accurate
measurement of body composition. Anthropometry is a term that
applies to measurement of the external aspects of the body, such
as body diameters, circumference, and skin fold thickness. These
anthropometric measurements have shown a high correlation with
hydrostatic weighing as an accepted method to determine body
composition.
*2. Scientific research has demonstrated that physical per-
formance is adversely affected by excess body fat. From a health
standpoint, the carrying of excess body fat has been recognized
as a significant risk factor. Although there are no readily
definable percent fat values for acceptable performance, there
are ranges when it can be said that performance will be helped or
hampered by body composition. Successful marathon runners
average 10 percent body fat. Research with professional football
players has shown that backs and wide receivers will usually be
8-10 percent fat, while linemen are between 10-16 percent on the
average. Individuals, in general, are considered grossly obese
at 30 percent and above, while 20 percent body fat and above for
average males is generally considered inappropriate for activity
involving strenuous exertion. The average percent of body fat
for male Marines is 16.5 percent. The Marine Corps, more than
any other military service, relies on maximum physical fitness of
all its personnel. Accordingly, the maximum allowable percent of
body fat for the establishment of an alternate weight standard
for male Marines is established at 18 percent and below.
3. The following chart is provided as a field measurement for
the estimation of percent of body fat for male Marines. The
waist circumference should be taken at the naval with the Marine
standing evenly on both legs. The waist should not be "sucked
in" but in a normal, relaxed position. The tape should not cut
into the skin but be able to move freely. The neck circumference
should be measured at a point just below the larynx (adam's
ENCLOSURE (2)
1
apple). Measurements should be read to the nearest one-fourth
inch for the neck and one-half inch for the waist. Find the
appropriate waist measurement of the left side of the chart and
the appropriate neck measurement along the top of the chart.
EXAMPLE
NECK - 16 INCHES
WAIST - 35 INCHES
BODY FAT % - 15.6%
ENCLOSURE (2)
2
%G 6100_7.PCX; PERCENT FAT PREDICTION IN MALES
ENCLOSURE (2)
Ch 1 (23 Jun 93)
3
%G 6100_8.PCX; PERCENT FAT PREDICTION IN MALES-CONTD
ENCLOSURE (2)
Ch 1 (23 Jun 93)
ALTERNATE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMITS FOR FEMALE MARINES
1. In 1978, a study was conducted of 226 women Marines from ages
18 to 47 years and grades of private to general. Each Marine was
subjected to 35 anthropometric measurements including skinfold,
girths, and diameters. As with the male study, each woman Marine
was hydrostatically weighed to determine total body fat and lean
body weight. With the hydrostatic weighing as the criteria
method, a computer analysis was conducted to indicate which
single or combination of measurements would be the best field
method for determining percent body fat and lean body weight.
2. This study established the average percent of body fat for
women Marines at 23.1 percent. It should be noted that women,
due to their sex characteristics, will normally have a higher
percent body fat than males. Research with women athletes has
shown that the average gymnasts are 11-15 percent fat, runners
are 16-19 percent, and swimmers are 13-19 percent fat. Women,
generally, are considered grossly obese at 30 percent and above.
3. The maximum allowable percent of body fat for the establish-
ment of an alternate weight standard for women Marines is
established at 26 percent and below.
4. The following charts are provided as a field measurement for
the estimation of percent of body fat for female Marines. A
Marine need only find her specific measurement in each of the
five girth columns. The point columns to the left of each girth
measurement represent fat percentage points. Add the points
representing each girth measurement, subtract from that the
constant correction factor (54.598), and the resulting figure
represents the total percent body fat.
FORMAT FOR REQUESTING PRELIMINARY MEDICAL EVALUATION
6100
SER
From: Commanding Officer
To: (Appropriately Credentialed Health Care Provider)
Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL/DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
Ref: (a) MCO 6100.10B
1. It has been determined that __________(Marine's name)______
physical appearance does not meet acceptable Marine Corps
standards. It is therefore requested that this Marine be given a
medical evaluation per the reference.
2. This Marine's present weight is _______ pounds with a percent
body fat of ______ percent.
3. This Marine has been advised that the loss of ______ pounds
per month and a total of _______ pounds within a 6-month period
is a realistic goal.
ENCLOSURE (4)
1
6100
FIRST ENDORSEMENT on (Identify letter)
From: (Appropriately Credentialed Health Care Provider)
To: Commanding Officer
Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL/DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
1. Returned.
2. Per the reference, __________(Marine's name)________ physical
appearance is (initial either paragraph 2a or 2b):
a. (____) Due to a pathological disorder. Attached is the
prescribed treatment to alleviate the condition.
b. (___) Not due to a pathological disorder. This Marine is
fit for participation in a physical exercise program. If appli-
cable, attached is a prescribed weight reducing diet to assist in
alleviating the condition.
3. The recommended loss of _____ pounds per month and a total
of ______ pounds within 6 months is (initial either paragraph 3a
or 3b):
a. (___) A realistic goal.
b. (___) Not a realistic goal because (attach reason why
goal is not realistic and recommend new goals):
ENCLOSURE (4)
2
6100
SER
SECOND ENDORSEMENT on (Identify letter)
From: Commanding Officer
To: (Individual Marine)
Ref: (b) MCO P1900.16D
(c) MCO P1080.35H
Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL/DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
1. Readdressed and forwarded.
2. You have been determined to be overweight and are directed to
meet the following weight reduction goal: ___ pounds per month.
Your weight goal is ___ pounds to be attained no later than 6
months from this date. Failure to comply with reference (a) may
result in separation from the naval service by reason of unsatis-
factory performance per paragraph 6206.1 of reference (b).
3. You are advised that assistance in meeting your weight
standards is available through ____(chain of command)_________.
4. Assignment to weight control and/or military appearance
program reported on unit diary __________ dtd ___________ per
reference (c).
ENCLOSURE (4)
3
6100
SER
THIRD ENDORSEMENT on (Identify letter)
From: (Individual Marine)
To: Commanding Officer
Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL/DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
1. Returned.
2. I understand that my physical condition does not appear to be
due to a pathological disorder.
3. If overweight, I understand my responsibility to have my
weight recorded in the unit log every two weeks.
(To be utilized when weight goal not attained after 6 months.)
6100
SER
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT on (Identify letter)
From: Commanding Officer
To: (Appropriately Credentialed Health Care Provider)
1. Readdressed and forwarded.
2. Medical reevaluation is requested.
ENCLOSURE (4)
4
6100
SER
FIFTH ENDORSEMENT on (Identify letter)
From: (Appropriately Credentialed Health Care Provider)
To: Commanding Officer
Subj: WEIGHT CONTROL/DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
1. Returned.
2. ___________(Marine's name)_______ has been reexamined and
found to be overweight (initial either paragraph 2a or 2b):